Western State Colorado University is hosting the 24th annual Headwaters Conference Sept. 20 and 21in Gunnison. The theme of the conference, “Home/Land Security,” seeks to help solve fundamental problems that challenge our own survival in the face of climate change, including:

· How can we find secure ways of feeding each other and heating our homes?

Western’s new greenhouse in the LEED-certified Pinnacles Apartments on campus, is the result of a student-led initiative to grow produce locally, despite Gunnison’s cold climate.

On most days, you’ll find Western senior Kyle Brookens (click here to read Kyle's story) caring for plants or working on irrigation systems. Brookens, graduating this year with a degree in Environmental Studies, has worked tirelessly to get the facility up and running.

The GSA annual meetings are attended by as many as 500 geologic professionals and students.

“We are excited to host this conference, because it is a chance for Western to showcase its wonderful Geology faculty while bringing hundreds of scientists and students to this great campus,” Western State Colorado University President Dr. Jay Helman says.

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Ashley Teipel discovered she wanted to become a teacher while working for the Peace Corps in Moldova. She was teaching health education in Romanian and realized that, after returning from the Peace Corps, she wanted to pursue her passion for educating children.

“Since leaving Gunnison, we shared a common goal, and that was to find ways to give back for the unique education and experiences we received from graduating at Western,” says Steve Reynolds, 1978 Western graduate. Reynolds is a member of the Western State Foundation Board of Directors, and along with classmate and former Foundation Board member Steve Trippe, came up with the funds to purchase the land and make the donation. L.

Karl Manz is among a growing group of potential small business owners who call the Western State Colorado University campus home. But you won’t find Manz camped out in the classrooms or hallways of the Borick Business Building.

Wonder what it's like here in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in the winter? Check out ourWinter at Western photo albumon our Facebook page. "Like" us, share with your friends, and keep up to date about what's happening at Western.

Buchanan was born in Alaska, and despite difficult circumstances, she thrived and spent more than 15 years climbing the corporate ladder in marketing and sales before being laid off during the recent financial crisis.